From Rags to God of War

He's a Total Mystery

"Nick," Isabella began. "What just happened?"

Nicholas took a breath, then slowly exhaled. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb," Isabella said, stepping closer to Nicholas. "Victor Meyers suddenly wants me to lead the project. Even though he doesn't know me. And Dad said he completely rejected Gilbert." Isabella narrowed her eyes. "You have something to do with this, don't you?"

Nicholas looked at her straight. "I don't know anything, Bella."

"Don't know?" Isabella scoffed in disbelief. "Dad and Elsa looked genuinely terrified, Nick. And you suddenly show up, and everything's resolved. This isn't a coincidence." Isabella placed a hand on Nicholas's arm. "Victor Meyers, why does he only want me? And why would Dad say he's so angry at Gilbert?"

"Maybe he genuinely wants you, Bella," Nicholas replied casually, his expression hard to read. "You are competent."

"I'm serious, Nick!" Isabella insisted.

Nicholas smirked. "Yes, I really don't know anything."

Isabella put her hands on her hips. "Ugh, fine then. Tomorrow I'll just find out for myself from Victor Meyers."

Nicholas merely nodded.

Isabella finally let out a long sigh, her gaze still full of questions, before turning and heading to their room. Nicholas waited until the sound of Isabella's bedroom door closing, then he pulled out his phone from his pants pocket.

A few seconds later, the call connected.

"Victor?"

"Hey, Nick?" a voice on the other end answered, it was Victor. "What's up?"

"Isabella will be coming to your office tomorrow morning," Nicholas informed him. "Treat her well."

Victor chuckled softly on the phone. "Of course, Nick. Anything for you. No need to ask since you own half of Diamond Group anyway."

Nicholas snorted with amusement. "You certainly know how to do business. But, I want you to keep this a secret from Isabella. From the entire Weber family. At least for now."

"Are you sure?" Victor asked, a little surprised. "She'll find out sooner or later."

"I have my reasons," Nicholas interjected, without elaborating further. "Just make sure Isabella feels comfortable. And make her believe she fully deserves that position, without my interference."

"Alright, Nick," Victor agreed, his tone now serious. "As a friend, I'll do it. Don't worry. Isabella will get the welcome she deserves."

Nicholas smiled faintly. "Thanks, Victor. I knew I could count on you." He hung up the phone, then looked at Isabella's bedroom door.

...

"Morning, honey," Nicholas greeted without turning around, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Perfect timing, breakfast is ready. I made your favorite pancakes."

Isabella sat on a kitchen bar stool, observing Nicholas. A small smile bloomed on her lips. "Are you seriously wearing that apron?"

Nicholas turned, squinting. "Why? Doesn't it suit me?" He frowned, feigning annoyance. "I tried to look professional in the kitchen, you know."

Isabella chuckled. "It suits you perfectly. Too perfectly, actually."

Nicholas placed a plate of pancakes in front of her, then sat next to her with a cup of coffee. "Are you going to Diamond Group?"

Isabella sighed. "Yeah. Ready or not, I have to go, right?" She cut into her pancakes. "I have to work, Nick. You're unemployed, after all. We need money."

Nicholas smiled faintly. "Of course. You have to work. I support you a hundred percent." He looked at Isabella with a serious gaze. "Gilbert or your sister might try to put you down. Don't let them do that."

"I won't let them walk all over me again."

Nicholas nodded, satisfied. "Now, finish your breakfast. Let me know if there's anything I can help with."

"Everything's set, Nick," Isabella said after chewing her food. A few minutes later, she finished and got up.

Nicholas stood from the sofa, approaching her. "Want me to drop you off?"

Isabella shook her head. "No need. I'm driving myself, my car was delivered by the driver a few days ago."

Nicholas just chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright then."

...

As her car entered the Diamond Group's parking area, Isabella felt a slight nervousness. The skyscraper loomed, majestic and intimidating. She stepped out of the car, straightened her black blazer, and walked into the lobby.

"Good morning, I'm Isabella Weber."

"Good morning, Ms. Weber. I'm Chery, and I was expecting you."

"Really?"

Chery nodded, looking at her computer screen. "Alright, Ms. Isabella. Mr. Victor is waiting for you. Please follow me to the private elevator."

Isabella followed Chery. They walked through the lobby area, towards a hidden corridor that led to Victor's private elevator. Just as the elevator doors opened, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Bella? You're here?"

Isabella turned, surprised. Jessica Vincent stood not far away, wearing an elegant dress and carrying a branded handbag.

"Jessica? What are you doing here?" Isabella asked, confused.

Jessica giggled flirtatiously. "Oh, me? I'm here to see Victor, of course." She stepped closer, tossing her hair. "He gets super grumpy if he hasn't had his favorite breakfast in the morning. So I brought it for him. You know, when it comes to Victor's breakfast, I know his tastes best." Jessica glanced at Chery for a second, then smiled coyly at Isabella again.

Isabella felt strange. "So, you're close with Victor?"

"Oh, of course," Jessica replied casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "I told you, we're old friends."

"Do you also have an appointment with Victor?"

Isabella nodded. "That's right. For the Diamond Group project."

Jessica curled a faint smile. "Well, isn't that something. In that case, you go ahead. I can wait in another room until you're done. I'll catch up with him in his office later." Jessica glanced towards the still-open elevator. "Please."

Isabella still felt something was off, but she didn't have time to argue. "Alright. Thank you."

She stepped into the elevator, followed by Chery.

The elevator doors opened. Isabella stepped out, Chery directed her towards a large door. Chery knocked softly, then opened the door.

"Mr. Victor, Ms. Isabella Weber has arrived."

Victor gestured.

Isabella entered. Victor sat at his large desk, his back to the window. He turned as Isabella walked in. His face was cold, expressionless.

"Isabella Weber," Victor said, greeting her. "Please, have a seat."

Isabella felt her heart pound. Victor's aura was incredibly strong, far more intimidating than she had imagined. She pulled out a chair in front of Victor's desk, trying to compose herself.

"Thank you," Isabella said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm here as per our agreed schedule."

Victor gave a small nod. "I know." His gaze was sharp, piercing right through Isabella. "So, what would you like to discuss?"